NCAA Football 07 Walkthrough & Strategy Guide

Published: Jan 1, 2006

Offense

Formations

I-FormIn this formation, the halfback and fullback line up directly behind the quarterback, forming an "I."
Normally, there is one wide out on either side and one tight end, although in the Twins and Y-Trips versions of
this set, receivers can be stacked disproportionately to one side of the line. The I-Form is great for running inside,
as the fullback usually provides a lead block for the halfback. It also provides for a lot of passing to backs
coming out of the backfield. The I-Form is also useful for running some types of option plays. Here are a
couple of our favorite plays out of the I.

I-Form-Normal: HB Iso
This is a standard, bread-and-butter running play. Take
and bang up inside, following the block of the fullback. If you have a
decent O-line, this play can be flogged to death, especially against CPU
opponents. If nothing exists inside, don't be afraid to cut outside
with a speedy back.

I-Form-Normal: Angle
One of the most consistently successful passing plays
from this set, look to the halfback sneaking to the center of the field.
The tight end on the right side of the formation is another good target.

I-Form-Twins: HB Lead
The classic HB Lead is another good staple running
play. If it's plugged up inside, you can easily cut this to the corner and
get to the sideline for beaucoup yards.

StrongIn the Strong formation, the fullback is offset a bit right, on the same side as
the tight end. The idea here is that you're loading up the right side of the
formation with blockers. Run over this side or pass underneath after the
coverage commits to the right. Strong plays normally happen quickly, and
are designed primarily for short yardage.

Strong- Twins: Counter WeakThis is a good change of pace running play with lots of bodies in motion, and it's most effective when run with an exceptionally speedy back.
Just wait momentarily for blocks to develop, or you could be tackled prematurely.

Strong-Twins: Smash HB StreakThe halfback streaking up the middle is the primary target you should be looking to on this pass
play, but the left slot receiver is also a good choice.

WeakIn the Weak formation,
the fullback is offset a bit left, opposite of the tight end. Still primarily a
running formation, this also allows for easy passing to the two backs out of the
backfield.

Weak-Slot: Option PassThis is a nifty little play, because it lets you choose
after the snap whether to run or pass. Once you take, look to the left. If
the run is available around the corner, take off, but be sure to avoid
bringing up the passing icons. If you get hassled, you can pitch out to
the trailing back. If the run isn't there right off the bat, chances are
the pass is. The most consistently open target is right across the middle.

Weak-Twins: Counter StrongThis is a nice little misdirection running play. It's
often successful due to the fact that so much meat is out front blocking
as the back rounds the corner. If your runner is fast, he'll hit the edge
and really be able to fly.

AceThe Ace formation is balanced for the run and pass. One back (usually the halfback)
lines up five yards behind the QB. This leaves one tight end and several
receivers to catch passes. The Ace formation is versatile, but what you do with
it depends on your personnel and the version of it you select. If you have a
speedy back, you may want to run sweep and toss running plays out of this
formation, because one of its main characteristics is that it spreads the field.
If your back doesn't have the wheels, keep him in the backfield to protect the
QB as he passes.

Ace-Big Twins: HB Dive/HB
BlastTwo tight ends are added to this package, making it a
nice running formation. Either the Blast or Dive play can serve as a
staple of your inside rushing game.

Ace- Y-Trips: Cross InThree receivers are lined up to the right... two WRs and a
TE. If you have a decent tight end, look for him coming open across the
middle, then bust some tackles. Otherwise, capitalize on the confusion
that three similar crossing routes creates.

Ace-Normal: TE StreaksThis lovely little ditty features two tight ends
streaking up the field, which can create some serious matchup problems for
the defense. If you have an accomplished tight end on your squad, be sure this play is in
your arsenal. You'll be able to rain pass after pass over the top
and drop it into outstretched arms.

Ace-Big Twins: Ace
ArrowOne of the best offensive plays you can run is the
Ace-Big Twins: Ace Arrow play. If the receiver crossing from left to right
is not open, you should be able to nail the other left receiver looping up
the sideline. Pump fake to freeze the D, then loft it and let him come
down with it.

Ace-Big Twins: HB
Option
This is a rare option play out of the Ace set, but
it's actually pretty effective, due to the extra beefy blocking on the
outsides. Scoot your QB around the corner and try to turn upfield. If nothing is
there, eat the ball or huck it out to the waiting halfback.

WishboneThe Wishbone formation is a pure running formation, and,
more specifically, an option running formation. There are two wide receivers and
three backs (in addition to the QB).

Wishbone-Normal: HB OptionThis is an excellent, excellent option play. The QB
will give to the first halfback, who will sprint out and around the edge.
If he runs into opposition on the perimeter, he can option out to a wider
back. It's a brilliant play, and can be very effective when used with a
pair of decent backs.

Flexbone Another formation
used to run the option, the Flexbone has one back deep, and then either two
shallow wingbacks or one wingback and an extra slot receiver.

Flexbone-Tight: Triple Option This is a triple option. You can take and give to the
fullback immediately by holding the snap button after the ball is hiked.
Or, you can take things outside, breaking around the corner. If your QB
gets bogged down, toss the ball out on the option to the halfback.

Flexbone-Split: Double SlantsSlant plays tend to work well in
general, and this play has double the fun. The tight end
streaking deep is another good option. Pump fake to freeze the D, and
then put it up.

No Back
The No Back formation is just what it sounds like. No tailback, no halfback, nothing. All
available players that aren't on the line are used as receivers. This formation
is good when you need a lot of yards in a hurry. However, you are susceptible to
the blitz in this formation, as there is no one to pick up attackers.

No Back- Normal: Arrows
Any passing pattern that has multiple targets posting over the middle is going to be successful
This one has the added benefit of a slot guy sneaking out into the flat late.
A great all-around play.

No Back-Normal: WR StreaksThis is a great deep play, especially if you have
speedy outside receivers. A perfect jump ball play when you need a chunk
of yardage in a hurry. If nothing is open deep, take a gander at the right
slot receiver dragging across the middle.

No Back-Normal:
WheeliesThe routes on either side of the field sometimes
result in some not-so-inadvertent "picking," allowing for
some wide open possibilities downfield. If nothing presents itself on
either side of the field, take a look at the receiver dragging from right
to left late in the play.

ShotgunThe shotgun formation is primarily used for passing. The QB
takes a couple of steps back off the line and the ball is snapped back to him.
The extra distance gives him a chance to survey the field and read the defense
before dishing the ball.

Shotgun-2 Back Slot: RB DeepIn this play, both backs take off up the field, resulting
in some serious matchup problems for the D. This is an especially
effective play if you have a sturdy and speedy back. Loft the ball up to
him and watch the magic happen.

Shotgun- Spread: Deep AttackThe streaking outside receivers should provide you with
decent home run ball opportunities, especially if one or both of them are
speedsters. Late in the play, you can bail yourself out with a halfback
dump off if need be.

Shotgun-5 Wide: Middle AttackAs you'd expect from this formation, it's all about
going downfield. Look to the speedy receivers to stretch the field,
and if that's not there, look underneath. Just beware of lurking
linebackers.

Goal LineGoal line formations are designed for short yardage. More
often than not, you'll be running this formation when you need to pick up a
couple of inches or maybe a yard. There is massive run support and protection,
with two tight ends, a fullback and only one receiver.

Goal Line: QB Sneak This is an important play to keep in mind when you need
a yard or less going into the endzone. Provided your line gets a decent
push, it's just a matter of finding a crease and squeezing into it.

Goal Line: QB Boot RtThis can be flipped if you have more room to the left. This
play works because the QB rolls to the same side that the action
is going to. Throw it to one of three tight ends... one of them is
almost always open.

Goal Line: HB StingJust follow the block of the fullback and punch it into
the endzone. No frills, just straight running. Try this one on first
or second, before resorting to more crafty
playcalling.

Other FormationsThere are a couple of other formations in the game that
are specific to individual schools. The Maryland-I, Pro, and Power-T fit into this
category. Mostly, these unique formations offer more running options, but you'll
want to look to the same plays that work in the more traditional formations
listed above: crossing routes that create mismatches, well-blocked
misdirection runs and the like.

Offensive Tips

General

If playing at home, and the crowd is going crazy,
make sure you calm them down before attempting a play, especially if you need
to audible.

Always take a look at the opponent's set-up using the
match-up stick. This will give you a thumbnail view of weaknesses in the
defense. In addition to seeing which players don't stack up to your guys,
you'll get a quick idea of how composed the other team is. If you see a lot of
rattled players, that means the opposition is considerably weaker than
their original ratings. Pick on the players who can't hack the big game, and
you'll come out victorious.

For the most part, you want to run plays toward the
open side of the field. For instance, if you're on the left hash mark, run a
play to the right side. This will allow your receivers enough room to run
their routes, or backs space to bust out around the corner.

Make sure you know
your audibles well before heading into battle. You'll want to have a long
and short yardage pass, an inside run, and one kill clock play. To set audibles, go to Features
and Create-a-Playbook.

Make use of your Impact Players. If your QB is in the zone, choose a passing play. Likewise, if your FB or HB gets in the zone,
set up a play that will allow them to break out for a big run.

Passing

Passing is about finding a rhythm. You have to
deliver the ball at the right moment in order to properly hook up with a
receiver. Learn the routes and time your releases accordingly. A good place to
do this is in Practice Mode.

If you're scrambling, make sure you set before you
throw the ball. Unless you're a scrambling virtuoso, the ball will float and
fly all wonky if you don't pause and collect yourself before heaving the ball
downfield.

Try not to throw into double coverage. Sometimes
you'll squeak the ball in, but it's more likely it will be batted or picked.
Besides, double coverage usually means that another player is in single. If
you have a good receiver (especially on a fly pattern) just chuck it up and
let him come down with it. Remember: the advantage is usually with the
receiver on a well-thrown ball.

Passing is analog, so practice with the touch on passes in order to throw the
perfect ball. You don't want to rifle the ball on a screen pass, and you
don't want to zip a fade pass, because you'll just end up
drilling your receiver in the back. Conversely, it's pretty easy to float the ball if
you just tap the button. The longer the ball stays airborne, the likelier
it is to be snatched.

Be careful with the tapping, though. If your routes
are close to the sidelines, you'll want to put a little more mustard on the
pass,
or it will end up fluttering out of bounds, and no one wants that
(well, maybe your opponents do).

If you have the time, use the pump fake. This will often freeze the secondary for just enough time
to make a receiver come free. Fake in the opposite direction that you're planning to
throw to further confuse the defense.

There are several trick passing plays in the game,
and most involve a player other than the QB making a pass. In these
situations, make sure your player is completely set before throwing, and make
sure you have adequate time to complete the play. If the opposing team has
consistently been getting in your backfield, avoid trick plays.

Running

Don't be afraid of exploiting a play over and over.
If the defense cannot stop repeated dives up the middle, there's no need to
get fancy. Just cram the ball down their throats until they force you back.

Wait for your blockers... but not too long. If you're
running a lead play or sweep, wait a moment for the play to set up. You'll see
immediately if it's there. If it isn't, just turn upfield and try to find any
kind of hole. It's better to make a short gain (or even a short loss) than to
run around all willy-nilly in the backfield and get dragged down for a huge
deficit.

Since momentum is a factor in NCAA, don't try to cut back too severely,
unless it's scripted in the play. Otherwise, you can get stuffed deep and
take a loss.

Make sure you use special moves liberally. The stiff
arm works well to shed a potential tackler, as does the juke. If there are
collapsed players in front of you, or you can sense a player is going to dive
for your feet (this is more common in multiplayer games) use the hurdle button
to avoid danger.

Running the Option

The option can be dangerous if you don't use it
properly. Remember that you can either take it yourself or pitch it out.
Often, the QB keeper is the best option, as certain defenses spread the field
and concentrate on the halfback. If you see an opposing player hovering
on the outskirts, don't pitch the ball out. Wait for all players to commit to
the QB before pitching it.

Never, ever pitch the ball if there is a player
between you and the back you're trying to get the ball to. Any deflection will
result in a fumble. Or, if your back cannot make the grab, and the ball hits
the turf, it's live.

Don't pitch when your back is too far away. The ball
could go wild and result in a turnover.

If your QB is being tackled, pitching is a risky
proposition. However, sometimes you'll be rewarded for taking a chance. If you
have a strong QB, you just may be able to heave it out to the back while
you're in the clutches.

If you're running an option pass, survey the field
first. If it's better to run (like when the defense drops into pass coverage),
just take the ball and scramble upfield. Otherwise, remember that it takes a
while to call up the passing icons and unload. If someone is bearing down on
you, you won't have enough time to set up and pass before the opposing
player tackles you.